Kmart to Close Dyer, McRae Locations This Spring

The post-holiday bloodletting began today as Sears Holdings announced the closure of two Kmart locations in El Paso. The stores at 1120 McRae Boulevard and 9484 Dyer Street were the only local stores set for closure. The next closest is in Roswell, N.M.

The announcement came in a release that shows the total closure of 108 Kmart stores nationwide, as well as 42 Sears locations. No El Paso Sears closures were mentioned in the release. The closures came in two waves -- the first announced on Dec. 27, 2016 and the second announced today (Jan. 4, 2017). Both El Paso closures were in the Jan. 4 announcement.

The decision to close stores is a difficult but necessary step as we take actions to strengthen the Company’s operations and fund its transformation. Many of these stores have struggled with their financial performance for years and we have kept them open to maintain local jobs and in the hopes that they would turn around. But in order to meet our objective of returning to profitability, we have to make tough decisions and will continue to do so, which will give our better performing stores a chance at success. Eligible associates impacted by these store closures will receive severance and will have the opportunity to apply for open positions at area Kmart or Sears stores. -- press release, Jan. 4, 2017

The company said liquidation sales the affected locations will begin as early as Jan. 6. Specific closure dates were not announced, being referred to only as "this spring." Locations remaining open include Zaragosa Rd., Montana Ave., and Sunland Park.

This is probably how most of the employees feel: